Effect of Acute and Chronic Dietary Supplementation with Green Tea Catechins on Resting Metabolic Rate, Energy Expenditure and Respiratory Quotient: A Systematic Review

Giovanna Petrangolini,Federica Perdoni,Clara Gasparri,Pietro Allegrini,Antonella Riva,Maurizio Naso,Simone Perna,Mariangela Rondanelli,Milena Anna Faliva,Mara Nichetti,Gabriella Peroni

doi:10.3390/nu13020644

Abstract

The consumption of green tea catechins (GTC) is associated with modulations of fat metabolism and consequent weight loss. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effect of GTC on resting metabolic rate (RMR), energy expenditure (EE), and respiratory quotient (RQ). Eligible studies considered both the chronic and acute intake of GTC-based supplements, with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) doses ranging between 100–800 mg. Findings from 15 studies (n = 499 participants) lasting 8–12 weeks (for chronic consumption) or 1–3 days (for acute intake) are summarized. This review reveals the positive effects of GTC supplementation on RQ values (272 subjects). Regarding the effects of acute and chronic GTC supplementation on RMR (244 subjects) and EE (255 subjects), the results did not allow for a definitive conclusion, even though they were promising, because some reported a positive improvement (two studies revealed an increase in RMR: one demonstrated an RMR increase of 43.82 kcal/day and another demonstrated an increase of 260.8 kcal/day, mainly when subjects were also engaged in resistance training exercise). Considering GTC daily dose supplementation, studies in which modifications of energetic parameters occurred, in particular RQ reduction, considered GTC low doses (100–300 mg). GTC may be useful for improving metabolic profiles. Further investigations are needed to better define adequate doses of supplementation.

Highlights

IntroductionDietary supplements have been proposed for the management of body weight in order to counteract obesity [4]
Obesity is a common disorder with complex causes; it is manifested by a chronic energy imbalance characterized by the excessive accumulation of fat and the excessive conservation of triacylglycerol in the cells that form adipose tissue [1,2].The current treatment of obesity includes reducing the calorie intake in the diet and increasing physical activity in order to increase energy expenditure (EE), but this is still not enough to reduce the trend and prevalence of obesity worldwide [3].Recently, dietary supplements have been proposed for the management of body weight in order to counteract obesity [4].Research in this area is expanding, with particular emphasis in the area of lipid mobilization [5]
The remaining three studies referred to an acute intake of green tea extract during the test days

Summary

Introduction

Dietary supplements have been proposed for the management of body weight in order to counteract obesity [4]. Research in this area is expanding, with particular emphasis in the area of lipid mobilization [5]. An example of bioactive compounds present in food, which can increase the efficiency of weight loss by lipid mobilization, is green tea catechins. Epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) are the four most abundant flavonoids in green tea; in particular, EGCG is the most active and most abundant polyphenol, as it represents about 35% of total catechins and has received attention as a potential anti-obesigenic agent [6]

Methods

Results

Conclusion